By 1952 there was no mistaking that Jackie Robinson was in the midst of a Hall of Fame-bound career. By the All-Star break he was well on his way to hitting .302 and leading the National League in on base percentage. His selection by fans of all colors to the fourth consecutive All-Star Game was proof that he was truly recognized as one of the game’s premier players. Jackie would finish the season with a solid .308 batting average with an NL leading .440 OBP. Robinson also tied a career high in home runs with 19 and knocked in 75.

Offered here is a handwritten letter from Jackie Robinson on “JACKIE ROBINSON” letterhead responding to a request from a fan. The letter reads “Dear Mr. Gross, Under separate cover am sending ball to your son. Enclosed is your check. If a ball will help I will be glad send it at no expense to you. I just hope Roger continues being a fan and hope he will be home soon. Sincerely, (signed) Jackie Robinson”. This letter has some stains, but is still very much readable and has been encased in a 13 x 20-inch frame, along with the original envelope that has a postmark of “AUG 9 1952” from Jamaica, NY. The letter was addressed to “Mr. Lawrence T. Gross Jr. 399 Bedford Rd Pleasantville, New York”. A 3-cent green postage stamp is on the upper right corner. Also included is the very ball referenced in Jackie’s letter. This ball is an Official Warren Giles stamped ball with blue pen signatures of the 1952 Dodgers. Please note that the signatures could not be authenticated. Jackie Robinson’s signature comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (T03864) which has graded his signature a MINT 9.

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